Laguna Beach Development News
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3:00 p.m. Regular City Council Meeting
Published: Jun 23, 2026
Laguna Beach Council Approves Solid Waste Rate Adjustments Following Prop 218 Hearing
The City Council conducted a Proposition 218 public hearing regarding proposed increases to solid waste and recycling collection services provided by CRR. Notices were mailed to approximately 11,262 property owners, with 21 written protests received, falling short of the majority protest threshold (5,632). The proposed rate adjustment includes increased county landfill costs (WISE agreement), annual contractual inflation adjustments (PPI), and a repricing adjustment for small multifamily properties to align billing with actual service levels. Residential customers could see an increase of $4.77 to $4.92 per month, and commercial customers (3-cubic yard bin, weekly collection) could see an increase of approximately $41.80 per month. Staff recommended adopting the resolution to set new maximum rates effective July 1, 2026, approve the Fourth Amendment to the CRR agreement, and authorize the City Manager to execute it. Concerns were raised by the public regarding billing accuracy for multifamily units, the cumulative nature of rate increases, the lack of flexibility in collection arrangements, and the validity of oral protests versus written protests. Staff clarified that the proposed changes aim to fix multifamily billing issues by moving to a cart-based system and that the WISE cost increase impacts all Orange County jurisdictions. The contract with CRR is an eight-year agreement with two one-year performance-based extensions, and breaking it would incur penalties.
Residents Protest Solid Waste Rate Hikes, Cite Billing Issues and Lack of Flexibility
The City Council heard a public protest regarding proposed increases to solid waste and recycling collection services under CRR. A resident, Erna Shaw, expressed concerns about the cumulative annual rate increases, the inflexibility of the current collection arrangements, and the lack of competition. Another resident, Scott Martin, highlighted discrepancies in billing for multifamily properties and perceived lack of transparency. Brandon, another resident, questioned the validity of oral protests versus written protests and raised concerns about CRR's business practices, referencing an incident in Missouri. Staff and the City Attorney clarified that Proposition 218 requires written protests and that the proposed changes aim to align multifamily billing with actual service levels. The council ultimately found no majority protest and approved the proposed rate adjustments and contract amendment.
Laguna Beach Council Extends Parklet Deadline, Refocuses Economic Development Efforts
The City Council deliberated on whether to approve an extension for three remaining public parklets (Otosushi, Tango, Adonis Cafe) beyond the June 30th deadline, with requests to extend them until December 31st. Council members expressed concerns about the process, the lack of submitted transition plans for sidewalk relocation, and the city's ability to develop a permanent outdoor dining program by the end of the year. A motion was made and passed to extend the parklets until December 31st and direct the city manager to return with a timeline for a permanent solution, acknowledging that the Adonis Cafe parklet may need to be removed earlier due to promenade construction. The council also decided against initiating a new market assessment for commercial tenant mix, instead directing the ad hoc economic development committee to investigate potential amendments to the Downtown Specific Plan regarding tenant mix.
Laguna Beach Budget Adjustments Include Staffing Changes, Infrastructure Funding, and New Technology Exploration
During the presentation of the fiscal year 2026-2027 budget, several personnel and budgetary adjustments were discussed. The proposed budget included freezing one Assistant City Manager position, which was later restored following public feedback. A Community Services Officer position was reallocated to a drone operator role for the city's new drone program. The City Arborist position was eliminated, and a Records Management Coordinator position was added to the City Clerk's office, with a net reduction of seven positions overall. The budget also included increases for wildfire mitigation, fire safety, insurance reserves, and capital projects like radio replacements and vehicle purchases. Staff committed to providing quarterly updates on expenditures and revenues. The council also discussed potential AI implementation in community development and a proposed police-mounted enforcement unit funded by a foundation for two years.
Laguna Beach Fire Department Welcomes New Peer Support Canine, Oro
The City Council received a presentation on the fire department's new peer support canine, Oro, an Aussie Doodle. Oro was funded through a sponsorship by Southern Glazers Wine and Spirits. Firefighter Logan Strook was selected as Oro's handler, and they completed a four-month training program. Oro will serve members of the Laguna Beach Fire Department and will be stationed at Fire Station 1. The Patriotic Service Dog Foundation provided Oro, whose mission is to support veterans and first responders. Oro has already participated in critical incident debriefings and is expected to positively impact personnel health and resilience.
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